Arrive early in the morning to New Zealand’s largest city- Auckland. Discover yourself in the center of downtown, amongst a boutique hotel with just 25 stylish rooms. Originally, in the 1840s, Hotel deBrett was Auckland’s first commercially used hotel. In recent years, new management restored Hotel deBrett to be the ultimate in contemporary and retro urban décor, while holding onto certain touches of salvaged heritage. Enjoy an evening at leisure to explore the many exciting attractions in Auckland. While you’re here, stop by a café. Take a short taxi ride from your hotel and you’ll find one of our favorite New Zealand cafes- Circus Circus- located in the neighborhood of Mt. Eden. Here you’ll find toys, books, a light seasonal menu (including things like warm orzo, mushroom and walnut salad, bagel towers and rhubarb apple crumble) and to-die-for coffee drinks. Spending time at a café on holiday is a great way to slow down, feel like a local, and drink like a local – especially if you order a flat white in New Zealand. This drink is somewhere between a latte and a cappuccino, but with foam so smooth and thick it coats your lips.

After your leisurely night in Auckland, it’s a transfer and ferry ride to Waiheke Island, Auckland’s food and wine neighbor twelve miles from the city. Enjoy stunning coastal vistas as well as some of Auckland region’s hottest properties. Enjoy a couple days your amazing accommodations overlooking Oneroa Beach.

Next it’s back to Auckland by ferry and a private transfer to the airport where you’ll hop on short flight to Hawke’s Bay- the famous start to the New Zealand Wine Trail. Spend a couple of days enjoying the views and history of Napier, you’ll also have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the sunshine and delicious red and white wines of this vineyard region.

Following Napier, find yourself in on the South Island in Blenheim, the capital of New Zealand wine. Take an afternoon tour of gourmet food and wine of the Marlbourough Region. Drive via the East Coast thorough Kaikoura and spend a night in Christchurch.

Next it's off to Queenstown, where you’ll spend the last few days of your trip in a leisurely fashion.

Spend your last full day devoted to adrenaline and scenery. You’ll enjoy a four-hour excursion by helicopter to the spectacular Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park. On reaching Milford Sound, board a Nature Cruise for a leisurely itinerary that allows plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and wildlife.

End your journey with a short drive back to Queenstown for your flight home. A few more cooking tricks up your sleeve and a few pounds heavier, you’ll head home satisfied.